United States–Iceland Military Partnership

Despite having no standing military, Iceland plays a critical role in NATO’s Arctic and North Atlantic security. During the Cold War, U.S. forces stationed at Keflavík Air Base monitored Soviet submarine movements, ensuring control over vital maritime routes. While the U.S. military presence in Iceland declined after the Cold War, NATO air policing, intelligence-sharing, and maritime surveillance operations remain key aspects of U.S.-Icelandic defense cooperation. Today, Iceland continues to serve as a gateway between North America and Europe, supporting U.S. and NATO efforts to secure the Arctic and deter adversarial threats in the North Atlantic.

History

• World War II (1941): The U.S. took over Iceland’s defense from the UK to prevent a German invasion.
• NATO Membership (1949): Iceland joined NATO as a founding member, relying on U.S. and allied forces for defense.
• U.S. Military Presence (1951–2006): The U.S. operated Naval Air Station Keflavík for anti-submarine warfare and air defense.
• Renewed Defense Cooperation (2016–Present): The U.S. re-established rotational deployments of P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft and fighter jets to monitor Russian naval activity in the North Atlantic.

Key Characteristics

• Air Policing & Surveillance: U.S. and NATO forces conduct Icelandic Air Policing missions, rotating fighter jets to patrol Iceland’s airspace. The U.S. operates P-8 Poseidon aircraft from Keflavík for anti-submarine warfare and maritime security.
• Arctic & North Atlantic Security: Iceland is strategically located along vital North Atlantic sea lanes, making it crucial for NATO’s Arctic and maritime defense strategy.
• Cyber & Hybrid Threat Cooperation: The U.S. assists Iceland in cybersecurity and countering hybrid threats, particularly against Russian intelligence operations.

Strategic Importance

• Protecting NATO’s North Atlantic Route: Iceland’s location is key for tracking Russian submarines and securing transatlantic military logistics.
• Deterrence Against Russian Activity: The U.S. and NATO maintain surveillance operations in Iceland to monitor Russian naval and air movements.
• Arctic Security & Climate Monitoring: Iceland plays a role in NATO’s Arctic defense strategy, supporting U.S. efforts in Arctic military logistics and environmental monitoring.

Links

• U.S. & NATO Air Policing in Iceland
• Iceland’s Defense & U.S. Military Cooperation
• Naval Air Station Keflavík & North Atlantic Security